The trial, in Alexandria, Virginia, is the first to arise from U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russia's meddling in the 2016 presidential election. But the charges involve tax and bank fraud, not possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's campaign for president.

Prosecutors called 27 witnesses to the stand during their case since July 31, including Manafort's long-time right-hand man, Rick Gates, who pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government.

Manafort's lawyers decided not to call any witnesses, and Manafort himself will not testify in his own defense.

In the series of emails released, he tried to secure a White House jobs for Calk, the CEO of the Federal Savings Bank, and two other individuals who were "totally reliable and responsive to the Trump White House."

Calk has also loaned Manafort $16 million, apparently in an attempt to make him extract money from his properties.

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The emails were sent on November 30 2016, three weeks after Trump won the presidential election, and after Manafort's fall from grace.

Despite the recommendation, Calk was not employed by the administration, though is unclear if this was because Kushner was aware of the loan, or whether the Trump administration considered the recommendation.

Kushner played a vital role in the transition period, and is a special adviser to Trump. Mueller is also keeping a close eye on his movements. Kushner has met several times with Mueller's investigators as a witness, and the special counsel has reportedly investigated whether Kushner used his position in the White House in order to benefit his real-estate business.

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